Faculty Collaboration Database

Chest deflections and injuries in oblique lateral impacts. Traffic Inj Prev 2008 Jun;9(2):162-7

Date

04/10/2008

Pubmed ID

18398780

DOI

10.1080/15389580701775942

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-41849090424 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   32 Citations

Abstract

A majority of laboratory-driven side-impact injury assessments are conducted using postmortem human subjects (PMHS) under the pure lateral mode. Because real-world injuries occur under pure and oblique modes, this study was designed to determine chest deflections and injuries using PMHS under the latter mode. Anthropometrical data were obtained and x-rays were taken. Specimens were seated on a sled and lateral impact acceleration corresponding to a change in velocity of 24 km/h was applied such that the vector was at an angle of 20 or 30 degrees. Chestbands were fixed at the level of the axilla (upper), xyphoid process (middle), and tenth rib (lower) location. Deflection contours as a function of time at the levels of the axilla and mid-sternum, representing the thorax, and at the tenth rib level, representing the abdomen, were evaluated for peak magnitudes. All data were normalized using mass-scaling procedures. Injuries were identified following the test at autopsy. Trauma graded according to the Abbreviated Injury Score, 1990 version, indicated primarily unilateral rib fractures and soft tissue abnormalities such as lung contusion and diaphragm laceration occurred. Mean peak deflections at the upper, middle, and lower levels of the chest for the 30-degree tests were 96.2, 78.5, and 76.8 mm. For the 20-degree tests, these magnitudes were 77.5, 89.9, and 73.6 mm. Statistical analysis indicated no significant (p > 0.05) differences in peak chest deflections at all levels between the two obliquities although the metric was significantly greater in oblique than pure lateral impacts at the mid and lower thoracic levels. These response data are valuable in oblique lateral impact assessments.

Author List

Yoganandan N, Pintar FA, Gennarelli TA, Martin PG, Ridella SA

Authors

Frank A. Pintar PhD Professor in the Biomedical Engineering department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Narayan Yoganandan PhD Professor in the Neurosurgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Acceleration
Accidents, Traffic
Adult
Aged
Anthropometry
Biomechanical Phenomena
Cadaver
Humans
Middle Aged
Research Design
Thoracic Injuries
X-Rays